£400m to boost science and engineering
15 Oct 2013 by Evoluted New Media
A £400m package to help science and engineering students get ahead in the global race and encourage more women to study the subject has been announced by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts.
The package consists of £400m capital investment - £200m from Government to be matched by universities on a least a 1 to 1 basis which will boost the national university infrastructure and allow for science and engineering departments to provide world-class facilities and teaching. Competition for these funds will also act to support the aim of getting more women to take science and engineering at degree level by requiring evidence of a commitment to diversity and equality.
“Investing in national infrastructure is a key part of this Government’s economic structure,” said Willetts. “This new funding will provide world class, industry standard facilities and teaching for students.”
“These facilities will also help bridge the gender gap that exists and give more incentive for women to retrain as engineers and put their skills to use.”
There will also be a partial relaxation of rules preventing part-time students who have previously studied for a degree getting access to support for fees. This reversal means anyone wishing to retrain part-time in computer science, engineering and technology will get some tuition support.
“This will ensure the nation has the skills we need to ensure our businesses stay ahead in the global race,” said Willetts. “We are inviting all who care about the future of science and engineering in our country to join us by signing up to this national ambition to increase the number of women entering science and engineering.”
The £200m fund will be administered by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Institutions will be invited to bid for funding against a set of criteria and priorities. With matched funding, this will provide £400m. HEFCE will be expected to look for evidence of commitment to equality and diversity in allocating the teaching capital funding.
The Department of Business will also be joining forces with major engineering employers and institutions as well as many young engineers to help persuade more young people to pursue a career in engineering.
